aboveboard
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Open and honest; without deception or hidden motives: Describes actions, dealings, or people that are completely straightforward and legitimate.
- Legitimate and fair: Conforming to accepted standards of honesty and transparency.
Adverb:
- In an honest and open manner: Performing an action with complete transparency and without deceit.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The negotiations were completely aboveboard. (The negotiations were entirely honest and transparent.)
- We need to ensure all transactions are aboveboard. (We need to ensure all transactions are legitimate and open.)
Adverb:
- He always conducts his business aboveboard. (He always runs his business in an honest manner.)
- The contract was negotiated aboveboard. (The contract was negotiated openly and fairly.)
Advanced Usage
- "To be completely aboveboard": To be entirely honest and transparent, leaving no room for doubt.
- The investigation proved that the entire process was completely aboveboard.
- "Keep things aboveboard": To ensure all activities remain honest and open.
- It's important to keep everything aboveboard to maintain public trust.
Variants and Related Words
- Above-board (adj/adv): An alternative hyphenated spelling with the same meaning.
- Their dealings have always been above-board.
Synonyms
- Honest: Truthful and sincere.
- Straightforward: Direct and without complication or deceit.
- Transparent: Open and clear, allowing all details to be seen.
- Legitimate: Conforming to the law or rules; genuine.
Antonyms
- Underhanded: Acting or done in a secret or dishonest way.
- Deceitful: Guilty of or involving deception.
- Sneaky: Furtive or behaving in a secret and dishonest way.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Open and aboveboard: This common phrase combines "open" with "aboveboard" for emphasis on total honesty.
- I assure you, my intentions are open and aboveboard.
Adjective
- without concealment or deception; honest
- their business was open and aboveboard
- straightforward in all his business affairs
Adverb
- in an honest manner
- in he can't get it honestly, he is willing to steal it
- was known for dealing aboveboard in everything